U.S. Explanation of Position on Disposal of Hazardous Substances and Wastes – HRC36 Resolution L.32

A/HRC/36/L.32

Environmentally Sound Management and Disposal of Hazardous Substances and Wastes

Explanation of Position by the United States of America as delivered by Jason Mack

Human Rights Council, 36th SessionGeneva, September 29 , 2017

Thank you, Mr. President.

The United States recognizes the serious effects that improper management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes may have on the effective enjoyment of human rights. We are committed to the proper management of such hazardous substances and wastes. Nonetheless, we are dissociating from consensus because this resolution does not address the concerns we raised in the negotiations.

We believe these critical issues are already comprehensively addressed in other relevant conventions, bodies, and positions within the United Nations. Now in its twenty-third year, this mandate has already fulfilled its function. We also reaffirm that the mandate is strictly limited to the human rights implications that may be involved in the management and disposal of hazardous waste, which is the area of this Council’s expertise and mandate. This resolution further expands the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, which already extended beyond the appropriate boundaries. In particular, it is inappropriate for this Special Rapporteur to examine national, regional, and international efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda.

Other concerns regarding this resolution will be addressed in the United States’ general statement delivered at the end of Item 3.